Mizoram MLA donates entire salary for 7.5 years, gives Rs 1.25 crore to poor

Mizoram MLA and former state minister Robert Romawia Royte has donated 100 per cent of his government salary for 90 consecutive months, contributing a total of Rs 1.25 crore towards the welfare of the poor and underprivileged.

According to a statement, Royte channelled his entire official salary into a dedicated charitable account from December 2018 to June 2026. The donations covered his tenure as a Cabinet Minister for 60 months and as an MLA for 30 months, with every expenditure reportedly documented and used exclusively for social welfare initiatives.

Royte said the decision was made before the 2018 Mizoram Assembly elections.

"I made two decisions together just before the 2018 MLA election — to contest from the MNF and to donate my entire salary to the poor if elected. I did so and will continue," he said.

The statement noted that Royte's gesture mirrors the example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who donated his personal savings accumulated during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister to a welfare fund for the education of daughters of state secretariat staff. It also compared his move with international leaders such as former US President Donald Trump, who donated his presidential salary, and former Uruguayan President José Mujica, who donated most of his earnings while in office.

Royte, a successful entrepreneur and founder of North East Consultancy Services (NECS), Royte Fisheries and Royte Brick Industries, said his financial independence enabled him to dedicate his public salary entirely to charitable causes.

The statement said his initiative aims to redefine political accountability and encourage a culture of selfless public service by directing public earnings towards those in need.